Blog Archives

This week, I AM la Brand takes a look at some legendary brands, and the powerful women behind them.

Our first pick:

“Estée Lauder (/ˈɛsteɪˈlɔːdər/; July 1, 1906[1] – April 24, 2004) was an American businesswoman. She was the co-founder, along with her husband, Joseph Lauter (later Lauder),[2] of Estée Lauder Companies, her eponymous cosmetics company. Lauder was the only woman on Time magazine’s 1998 list of the 20 most influential business geniuses of the 20th century. She was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was inducted to the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 1988*.”

Born Josephine Esther Mentzer, this iconic business woman’s life and work spanned, the course of 98 years. Her works serve as a reminder of what hard work, and relentless focus can do for anyone that endeavors to succeed in his or her passion’s work. The legacy she built with her husband continues to thrive posthumously as the Estee Lauder Company.

Attributing a lot of her success to hard work, selling, selling and more selling, Estee was also known for taking calculated risks.

If you’re in business, plan to be, or even buy from businesses, the answer is …. EVERYTHING! You’ve landed at the page that simplifies the process, features our favorite products and services and more!

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Brands that AM are my personal picks of individuals and entrepreneurs who stand out in their industry or communities. These brands get it right by consistently and authentically delivering great content, products, and services that we are all better off knowing more about.

Romona Foster is the owner and social media trainer of Admin Tech Consulting, where she provides social media training (Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter), consultations, social media management, and teaches the best practices of email marketing to small businesses, nonprofits and individuals.

Often tagged as “the fixer” by her clients, the first three words Romona used to describe herself were ambitious, confident, and funny. Having had many opportunities to engage with Romoma, I would add to that description list, authentic, extremely knowledgeable, and top notch customer service skills. I am honored to feature Romona Foster as the first Brands that AM, read to know just a little more of why she rocks!

In your own words, what is personal branding?

It’s the ability to show people who you are. What you do, what you can do for them whether it’s online or in person. It’s all about how you live your life.

Who are you (as it relates to an entrepreneur, how your personal YOU connects in your work)?

I AM Romona Foster, social media trainer and consultant. I love, love, love helping people both professionally and personally in any way that I am able. I am a techie and very analytical. I need to know how things that interest me work. If I don’t know how it works, I must, must look it up. [laughing] I am very interested in eating healthy (though I do slip from time to time as I love desserts) and also research natural medicine and natural health in general. What most people don’t know about me is that I studied culinary arts. I am a trained chef and pastry chef, so I also love to cook and create new recipes. Running is a passion of mine, and I have trained to run a marathon.

I know from our previous discussion, you initially provided administrative and technical services, why the switch to social media?

Social media just kind of hit me in my face, I was initially very much against it for personal reasons and then my pastor asked me to set a FaceBook page in 2009. As a result of setting up that first page and managing it, the requests started coming in to do more of them. I decided to place an online ad teaching LinkedIn. The very first class, 5 people showed up, the feedback was a request for more information even though it was a two hour class. I was onto something and decided to build my own social media profiles to promote myself and my services.

How do you stay innovative?

I’ve been blessed to be a creative being. I have brainstorming sessions with myself, and out of it comes some things that even amaze me. I get a lot of ideas at the most inconvenient times such as when I am in the shower or when I am sleeping. I have to be sure I write them down as soon as possible.

Finish this sentence, If I knew then what I know now ….

We are living in a society that is changing, turning into a entrepreneurial society. I come from a family with a long line of the entrepreneurial mindset. If I knew then how to follow my passion and purpose, I would have stretched out sooner, instead of doing what was expected.

What’s next for you, your business?

I can’t really say what is next. I have a lot of things in the works – some of which includes partnerships with other small business owners. What I can say is stay tuned. I won’t disappoint you. [smile]

What is one tip of advice you would give to those who are using social media today for business or to look for career opportunities?

I would tell them, it is extremely important for them to create an online presence, and to brand themselves both personally and professionally – particularly if they have a common name. Why? While trying to convince some of the importance of social media, I’ll do a Google search on their name only to find less than flattering content or images of someone else that bares the same name. When potential clients or recruiters look them up – if they have never met them – they may get the wrong idea about them.

Romona is a Constant Contact Authorized Local Expert, certified Social Media Marketing Presenter, Email Marketing Trainer, and a recipient of the Constant Contact 2012 ALL STAR Award. Contact her now for more information on training schedules and to get started on your social media strategy for your personal brand. click here. Tell her VanB sent ya!